Dog Safety

A dog goes for a walk in tall grass that could have foxtails

Dog Care

Foxtails: Tiny Things, Enormous Danger for Dogs

Introduction to Foxtails and Their Risks to Dogs The secret to a fishhook is its barb. Once a fish has taken the bait, and the hook sinks in, it won’t go in the other direction easily. Now, while we don’t know what inspired ancient humans to create the first fishhooks, possibly as long as 23,000 years ago, it’s quite possible that they found their inspiration in nature. After all, Velcro was inspired by burrs from the burdock plant because of their ability to stick to things. Foxtails can also stick to things, but unlike burdock burrs, they can do it

May 23, 2017 No Comments

All About Dogs

Hypothermia: Keeping Your Dog Safe In The Cold

In many parts of the world, when winter rolls around it brings freezing weather with it. Along with the cold comes another danger for our dogs: hypothermia, which is a dangerous drop in body temperature. The name comes from the Greek words “hypo,” meaning under, and “therm,” meaning heat. While the condition can affect dogs and humans, it can affect dogs more severely both because they are generally smaller than people and because a dog’s normal body temperature is higher than ours — in fact, when a human’s body temperature reaches what is normal for a dog, this is called

December 15, 2015 No Comments

Mouthy Mutt: Claiming An Object From A Possessive Dog

Many dogs can become possessive or even aggressive over a toy or other object. As a Pack Leader, you need the the ability to claim an object and make your dog give it up. This skill could someday be a lifesaver. So how do you get a large breed to give up possession? The same way you would any other dog! In this episode of “Chance Encounters with Cesar Millan,” Cesar helps an unsuspecting pair in the park learn how to get their German shepherd puppy to relinquish control of a favorite ball.

December 8, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

Before You Vaccinate Your Dog…

Rabies is arguably the oldest infectious disease known to humankind, with references to it going as far back as the 24th century BCE. For four thousand years, being infected meant death, whether it was a human or another mammal. This changed in 1885, when Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux successfully tested a rabies vaccine on a human subject, who went on to live another 55 years. At the same time, the vaccine began to be used on dogs. In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control reported there were no more cases of canine-specific rabies in the United States — only

September 17, 2015 No Comments

A dog sits in the backyard ready to play.

All About Dogs

Backyard Dangers For Dogs

It’s probably a dream of a lot of dog owners to have a place with a nice fenced-in yard where their dogs can play and explore, but just because that yard is walled off doesn’t mean that it can’t be a dangerous place. There are potential risks — animal, human, and other — that every dog owner should be aware of. Animal Dangers Even in a big city, there may be predators about. Coyotes, known to attack and kill smaller dogs, have become common all over North America and in some places have apparently crossbred with wolves, which makes them

September 8, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

Natural Born Swimmers

Hot, sticky, and lazy — summer days seem made to be spent poolside. But while you might consider swimming an easy and relaxing way to idle away an afternoon, your dog may have other ideas. Not all dogs take to the water naturally or happily, and there are lots of dogs who aren’t born knowing how to swim. In fact, not only do many need to be taught how to swim, certain breeds either can’t swim at all or find it very challenging to do so. So if you’re having trouble coaxing your pup into the water, consider if breed

August 18, 2015 No Comments

A dog waits to be rescued after a hurricane.

Basics

Are You And Your Dogs Prepared For Disaster?

If a natural or human-triggered disaster strikes, what will you do with your pets? When faced with an emergency situation, pet owners need to intervene on behalf of their dogs and cats to ensure their safety. How four-legged family members fare will depend on their preparedness, says Janell Matthies, emergency services manager for the United Animal Nations, a Sacramento, California based organization that brings animals out of crisis through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering and disaster relief services. “Animals can be affected by natural disasters in a number of ways,” Matthies says. “When they are left behind, they

June 18, 2015 No Comments

All About Dogs

The Dog Walk In The Cold And Snow

Unless you’re the proud owner of a Siberian husky, chances are good that winter walks with your pup are going to be a lot shorter than the ones you take in more friendly temperatures. But that doesn’t mean these walks are necessarily going to be easy — or that they should be! Just like any walk you take at another time of year, you want to keep both you and your pup safe while he gets the exercise and challenge he needs. Here are six tips to ensure both of you enjoy your walk through this winter wonderland: Trim nails

June 18, 2015 No Comments

a dog shakes off water after a swim at the beach

Dog Care

Keep Your Dog Safe In The Summer

Summer is a terrific time to be a dog owner. It lets you run, swim, and play with your dog in nicer weather than any other time of the year. However, summer also brings unique risks to your dog’s health that you should keep in mind throughout the season. These Summer Dangers Include Heat stroke Heat stroke occurs when your dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high. It is most common when dogs are left in a car for too long, or when they exercise in the heat. Never leave your dog in the car in hot weather, and always remember

June 18, 2015 No Comments

When Your Dog Gets Bullied

Just like a “wimpy kid” in middle school, you’ll know if your dog is getting bullied if, in social settings like the dog park, it gets frequently mounted, has food, water, toys, or spots stolen, gets ganged up on, or even gets badly injured. Its response to other dogs will often seem intimidated and defensive — even before any other dogs “act out.” For instance, as soon as they are approached by another dog, they may cower or immediately roll on their back, exposing their belly and showing submission. Dogs that get picked on “in public” may otherwise be happy

June 18, 2015 No Comments